Published Wednesday, 03 February 2010
Mounting speculation over a possible merger followed secret talks between the parties to promote greater pro-union co-operation in the Assembly.
The UUP and the DUP met at the Orange Order headquarters in Belfast in December 2009.
Further talks between the parties were also held at Hatfield House in England in January, chaired by shadow Northern Ireland secretary Owen Paterson.
The move was seen as a bid to thwart Sinn Fein attempts to become the largest party in Northern Ireland.
But Sir Reg ruled out a formal link up on Tuesday night.
"I can categorically say that rumours of a merger with the DUP are untrue," said Sir Reg who has been favouring an electoral alliance with the Conservative Party.
"No deal has been agreed and no formal link with the party has been made."
Sir Reg confirmed discussions had taken place over the proposed upcoming Assembly election but stressed that no commitments were made.
"I make no apology for discussing issues which look at how to best secure the future of political institutions in Northern Ireland," he said.
The UUP executive also reaffirmed its commitment to its relationship with the Conservative Party, passing a resolution to agree joint candidates for the forthcoming general election as soon as possible.
On Wednesday, UUP deputy leader Danny Kennedy told UTV that, while the parties won't be merging, they will continue to co-operate with the DUP.
"There was a very good discussion, a very constructive discussion in terms of the political situation (at Tuesday night's meeting)," said Mr Kennedy.
"There wasn't any hostility within the meeting.
"Any talk of a merger with the DUP was always going to be premature. The party executive has clearly signalled their view on a potential merger."
He added: "But in terms of co-operation it's a slightly different matter, and of course ongoing discussions are likely to take place on unionist co-operation both in terms of the assembly and indeed any other election."
Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey has been highly critical of the ongoing deadlock between the DUP and Sinn Fein over the devolution of policing and justice and the dysfunctional nature of the executive.
"All parties should have been negotiating. That's how you build confidence," he said.
Sir Reg said if a DUP/Sinn Fein deal was agreed his party would consider its contents before deciding its position.
He warned that the public was becoming increasingly disenchanted with the length of time it was taking to seal a deal.
Sir Reg said: "It is hugely embarrassing to the Government, hugely embarrassing to the Prime Minister and I think it is hugely embarrassing for Northern Ireland."